Retired officer appeals conviction over Facebook post he says was satire

Retired police officer Stephen Gray is appealing a conviction for posting a message on Facebook that a court found grossly offensive. His barrister told Teesside Magistrates’ Court the post was crude but satirical political expression, and argued that criminalising it would restrict freedom of expression.

Gray, 65, was convicted in April under the Communications Act 2003 and ordered to pay more than £1,000 in fines and costs. He said he shared the text to draw attention to child and forced marriage, and that only 15 to 20 followers saw it; a neighbour reported the post after receiving screenshots from someone else. The appeal ruling is due next month.